Tales of Six

Chapter 31 : The flower

Maximilien stands up and goes to Kaen's desk, trying to look calmer than he actually is.

Maximilien, holding back- Kaen ? What do you think you're doing ?

Kaen- I was just curious. And I didn't touch the box.

Maximilien just stares at her and sighs.

Kaen- And why do you not want us to interact with this ? Isn't it one of the objects we need to move through shadows anyway ? We'll open it soon enough.

Maximilien- The... contents... are fragile.

Kaen- Hmm. So it's good that I really didn't touch it then.

Maximilien, on the edge of sarcasm- Yes Kaen, thank you for not going against direct instructions and technically following them.

Kaen- :D

Maximilien- ... I'll go help the few groups still stuck on the pencil, then you'll be able to open your box and continue the training.

Kaen- ?? Why can't I open it now ?

Maximilien- They have enough difficulty as it is, please don't add another distraction. *looking straight at her with a serious tone* You know how those can affect one's capacity for control.

Kaen, worried- ... Did you...

Maximilien- Yes I saw your little trick with the circle. It was a demonstration so I didn't say anything. It wasn't the point. And now the point is to let the others learn at their own pace.

Kaen pouts a little.

Maximilien, with a caring voice- Don't see your ease with shadows as a curse. It's a blessing. From the Six. Use it well.

Kaen, whispering as Maximilien steps away- You're the curse.

Bored, Kaen looks around the classroom to see who is done with the exercise. She recognises the two mind students who tried to read her mind this morning, and they're looking at the box with curiosity.

She smiles as a plan takes form in her head. She stares at them and shakes her hand a little to grab their attention. When the two turn to her, she thinks the hardest and loudest she can.

Kaen- I know what's in the box.

Kaen then feels an intrusion directed at her mind and she makes herself the most open she can.

Them- How. It's hidden. Blocked. Covered.

Kaen- Wait, which one am I talking to ?

Li- I am Li.

Lo- I am Lo.

Lilo- We are Lilo. We are one.

Kaen- I'm gonna pretend to understand.

Lilo- Well then ?

Kaen- I saw inside. Why do you think Maximilien reacted this way and came to me ?

Maximilien turns away from the table he was helping and towards Lilo. He frowns and looks at their desk. He sees the pencil whole and unbroken next to the bowl and a few water droplets on the table. Both have been put to the side to leave space to lean and slouch on the desk, to stare at the box. He unfurrows his brow and goes back to what he was doing.

Lilo- ... We are being watched.

Kaen- Oh yeah don't worry he just wants to know if you guys are done with the exercise. So that I don't "bother you".